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Eosinophils express functional IL-13 in eosinophilic inflammatory diseases
Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier1, Frank Altznauer, Barbra Fischer
1Swiss Institute for Allergy and Asthma Research, Davos-Platz, Switzerland. peter.schmid@hin.ch
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Human eosinophils, immune cells implicated in allergic diseases, can produce and release functional Interleukin-13 (IL-13). This cytokine production is linked to inflammatory conditions and impacts B cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a key cytokine in allergic diseases like asthma.
- Various cells produce IL-13, but its role in eosinophils requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if human eosinophils generate IL-13.
- To determine the conditions under which eosinophils produce IL-13.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of peripheral blood eosinophils from patients with eosinophilic diseases and healthy controls.
- ELISA, ELISPOT assay, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry were used.
- In vitro stimulation of eosinophils with cytokines (GM-CSF, IL-5) and chemokines (eotaxin).
Main Results:
- Eosinophils from patients with asthma, atopic dermatitis, parasitic infections, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and eosinophilic esophagitis expressed IL-13.
- IL-13 expression was confirmed in vivo in nasal polyp tissues.
- Control eosinophils produced IL-13 upon stimulation with GM-CSF or IL-5, indicating a cytokine-driven process.
- Eosinophil-derived IL-13 enhanced CD23 expression on B cells, demonstrating its functionality.
Conclusions:
- Human eosinophils are a source of functional IL-13 in eosinophilic inflammatory conditions.
- IL-13 production by eosinophils is associated with allergic and inflammatory diseases.
- Eosinophil-derived IL-13 plays a role in immune responses, particularly involving B cells.